Travelers Rest - The Ideal Place to Start Your Outdoor Adventure

Travelers Rest Main Street is the best stop you'll make on your way to and from a day of adventure in the Upstate. Whether you're looking to go deep into the hills or take a leisurely ride down the Swamp Rabbit Trail, here are a couple ways we like to enjoy the outdoors in and around Travelers Rest.

*Furman University - Photo by Brittany Hildreth*

Leisure and Fun

Rent bikes from Sunrift Adventures and take the Swamp Rabbit Trail from downtown TR to Trailblazer Park.

Local Tip: stop at the boxcar on the trail (continue past Furman) as a fun attraction or if you need a water break.

Consider picking up a picnic lunch from Upcountry Provisions. They have sandwiches and wraps to suit every taste, but also grab a focaccia bread just because.

Check out Furman’s rose garden, take a stroll around the lake, or simply enjoy reading a book on the lawn while overlooking the swans.

This is the perfect activity for families or anyone wanting a relaxing day outside.

The Mountains Are Calling

Before you start your journey, fuel up at Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse. They have the best crepes, coffee, and waffles in town, sure to fill you up before you hit the trail.

Local tip: get there early to beat the line.

Sunrift Adventures across the street from Tandem has all of the gear and accessories you'll need for your trip. Even for a simple day trip, you want to make sure you're prepared with proper supplies:

Reusable water bottle
Granola or protein bars
Sunscreen / bug spray
First aid kit

Depending on your adventure plans, Sunrift rents bikes, kayaks, and stand up paddleboards. If you have your own gear, you can also purchase any accessories you might need.

Here are some of our close-by parks and the features you should know as you choose which one to visit:

*Paris Mountain State Park - Photo by Evan Lewis*

Paris Mountain State Park - Greenville, SC
(7.5 miles east of Travelers Rest)

Great for families – a playground, ample picnic tables, easy walking trails around the lake
Great for trail running / mountain biking – there is an extensive trail network that allows you to create a distance of your choice
Note – mountain biking is not allowed on Saturdays

Jones Gap State Park - Marietta, SC
(16.5 miles northwest of Travelers Rest)

This gem of a park provides the quiet solitude all nature lovers crave, particularly if you love hiking trails and trout streams.
Best easy hike – Jones Gap Falls
Best moderate hike – Rainbow Falls

*Table Rock State Park - Photo by Evan Lewis*

Table Rock State Park - Pickens, SC
(19 miles west of Travelers Rest)

Table Rock's impressive bald facade rises high over the rolling hills surrounding it. Hiking here is perfect for anyone looking to gain some miles and elevation goals.
The trek to the top is not for the faint of heart (or the unprepared), but the unimpeded views and overwhelming sense of accomplishment are certainly worth it.

*Caesar’s Head State Park- Photo by Evan Lewis*

Caesar’s Head State Park - Cleveland, SC
(23 miles northwest of Travelers Rest)

Take a lovely drive to the top of the Blue Wall and emerge at Caesar's Head State Park. The winding road up the mountain will provide some of the best views South Carolina has to offer, including an overlook of both Table Rock and Jones Gap State Parks.
A moderate hike will take you to Raven Cliff Falls, the highest falls in South Carolina.

Bonus Hikes!

Wildcat Falls - What looks like a small pull off on Hwy 276 for a mini falls is the beginning of an easy but rewarding hike. Follow the trail to the Wildcat Branch Upper Falls to take in a beautiful and impressively tall cascade. Do be aware, this trail can be very full on weekends. Also, follow all posted signs regarding climbing on the falls!
Foothills Trail - Conquer this 77 mile trail that winds through SC/NC. This scenic and diverse trail usually takes 5-10 days to complete. However, a small section as a day hike is rewarding as well!

Celebrate Your Journey

Return victorious to Travelers Rest after a long day on the trail, and treat yourself with the best post-adventure food: pizza! The original Sidewall Pizza is located downtown and has a wonderful selection of traditional and innovative pies.

You probably deserve a second treat, so have a pint at the award-winning Swamp Rabbit Brewery. They frequently host food trucks too, if you're in the mood for a different kind of fare.

Need a Place to Stay?

Campsites are available at all the state parks mentioned above. Check out their websites for reservation details.

There is a well-reviewed KOA a few miles outside of TR, if you're more in the mood for a cozy cabin.

Opt for a home-y Airbnb at one of the Travelers Rest listings nearby.

Or, stay in the heart of it all by booking a night at the Swamp Rabbit Inn in TR.

Need Even More TR?

Both the TR Farmers Market at Trailblazer Park and the City of TR host great events to tag onto your adventure days.

Jen Moreau loves living in and adventuring out of Upstate South Carolina. She's the co-owner of local outdoor brand, The Landmark Project, as well as one of three directors of the annual arts festival, Indie Craft Parade.